Joannie Rochette rocked by sudden death of mother in Vancouver

From Sportsbeat staff, in Vancouver

CANADA'S Joannie Rochette has been rocked by the sudden death of her mother two days before the start of the women's figure skating competition at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

VOWS TO CONTINUE: Canada's Joannie Rochette will continue with the women's figure skating competition to honour her mother who died on Saturday night (Getty Images)

Rochette's mother Therese, 55, passed away in Vancouver General Hospital on Saturday night after suffering a heart-attack.

The 24-year old, considered one of Canada's chief medal contenders in the figure skating competition, has vowed to continue in Vancouver and has said she will skate in honour of her mother, according to Skate Canada chief executive William Thompson.

"The Rochette family had just arrived in Vancouver yesterday from Montreal," said a statement issued by the Canadian Olympic Team.

"Joannie's father Normand came to the Olympic Village early this morning and gave Joannie the sad news along with her long-time coach Manon Perron."

The women's figure skaters are due to practice on Sunday afternoon in the Pacific Coliseum and Vancouver 2010 organisers have confirmed the session will be closed off to the media.

"On behalf of the organising committee and our thousands of employees, volunteers and our partners, we offer our deepest condolences to Joannie and to the family and friends of the Rochette's," said Vanoc spokesperson Renee Smith-Valade.

"We have been informed that Joannie will continue to compete in the Games this week. We salute her courage and strength."

The women's competition begins with the short program on Tuesday, February 23 while there is figure skating action this afternoon with the ice dancers' original dance.

 

 AS IT HAPPENS: Day ten of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver